Rose Bowl Aquatics Center’s Andrew Nguyen’s Coaching Pivotal in Rose Bowl Aquatics’ National Recognition

Head Aquatics Coach Andrew Nguyen is pushing the Rose Bowl Aquatics Club Team to new heights. The team recently secured its place as a USA Swimming Gold Medal Club. This remarkable achievement lands the team at an impressive 14th spot among the 3,000-plus swim clubs in the 2023-24 Club Excellence Rankings.

The Gold Medal Club status, granted by USA Swimming, is based on athletes’ outstanding performances in national and international competitions. Under Nguyen’s leadership, the team has witnessed remarkable improvements in the competitive prowess of its swimmers, earning well-deserved recognition. The team previously held silver status.

In a dual triumph, 19 Rose Bowl Aquatics Team student-athletes have earned a spot on the prestigious USA Swimming Scholastic All-America Team, showcasing their exceptional balance between academic and athletic excellence. This places the team fourth in the nation for the number of students honored.

As a former student-athlete, having swam at the University of Washington, Nguyen was a finalist at the Pacific-10 Conference each season. Before swimming at the University of Washington, Nguyen grew up in La Cañada and competed as a swimmer for Rose Bowl Aquatics and Swim Pasadena. He joined the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) staff in August of 2022.

“My brother, sister and I all swam competitively growing up here. We learned so much from the sport and our coaches. Now, being able to coach these kids, lead this team, and be part of this moment in time is a full-circle experience for me. I am thankful to the parents, coaches, RBAC staff, and, of course, the kids, because I have the privilege of doing what I love—paying it forward for the next generation of student-athletes.”

Coach Nguyen attributes the team’s success to a deliberate emphasis on the mental aspect of consistently delivering one’s best both in and out of the pool. “Our recent accomplishments are because of the team’s commitment to excellence in swimming and everyday life,” Nguyen emphasized, crediting the holistic training approach he and his coaches focus on, integrating rigorous training with a strong emphasis on academic performance and personal growth.

The RBAC’s swim programs cater to a diverse range of participants, from beginners to elite swimmers, focusing on comprehensive development. The rise in national rankings and the academic triumphs of the club team’s student-athletes underscore the effectiveness of Nguyen’s coaching style and the center’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Looking ahead, Coach Nguyen envisions a future grounded in maintaining high standards. “Our goal is to continue building on this foundation of athletic and academic progress, providing an environment where young athletes can thrive in all aspects,” he added.

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center is home to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Swim Team, a nationally competitive team that trains over 500 swimmers year-round from the developmental level to elite athletes competing on the local, state, and national levels. A (now) Gold Medal Club in USA’s Swimming Club Excellence Program, the team is consistently among the top performers in the region and nation.